Heavy Police Presence at Jesus Winner Church
Nairobi, Kenya – March 9, 2025 – A heavy police presence has been witnessed at Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, ahead of the planned ‘#OccupyJesusWinner’ protests.
The demonstrations have been triggered by President William Ruto’s pledge to donate Ksh20 million to the church, sparking public outrage.
GSU Officers Deployed to Guard Jesus Winner Church
Photos obtained by newsaih.com show General Service Unit (GSU) officers standing guard at the entrance of Jesus Winner Ministry while others are stationed around the church premises. The deployment comes amid growing tensions, with a section of Kenyans vowing to storm the church in protest against the donation pledge.
The controversy erupted after President Ruto announced his commitment to donate Ksh20 million towards the church’s expansion. Additionally, he pledged to organize a fundraiser with his allies to secure an extra Ksh100 million for the construction project.
OccupyJesusWinner Protests Gain Momentum on Social Media
Dissatisfied Kenyans have taken to social media to mobilize support for the ‘#OccupyJesusWinner’ protests. The hashtag has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) as critics question the source of the funds and allege political motives behind the donation.
Many protesters accuse Jesus Winner Ministry of misleading Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election. The backlash reflects growing concerns about the government’s financial priorities, with critics arguing that public funds should be allocated to pressing national issues rather than church donations.
Jesus Winner Church Responds to Donation Controversy
In response to the uproar, Jesus Winner Ministry clarified that they have not yet received the Ksh20 million donation from President Ruto. According to church secretary Raphael Mweti, the pledge was made following a request by their general overseer, Edward Mwai.
“We wish to clarify that President Ruto has been a faithful worshipper at our church since 2009. The donation was pledged in response to a request from our general overseer, and as of now, the church has not received any funds,” Mweti stated.
Public Reactions to President Ruto’s Ksh20 Million Pledge
Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions to the President’s pledge. While some church members and supporters have defended the donation, arguing that it is a personal contribution, others believe it is a misallocation of resources.
Political analysts suggest that such large donations raise ethical questions, especially when coming from a sitting Head of State. Many argue that such financial commitments could be perceived as an attempt to win favor among religious institutions ahead of the next general election.
Church Expansion Plans and Presidential Support
During his visit to Jesus Winner Ministry on Sunday, March 2, President Ruto reaffirmed his support for the church’s expansion efforts. He emphasized the importance of faith-based organizations in fostering national unity and development.
“I will donate Ksh20 million first, and we will plan a harambee with my friends to raise Ksh100 million in support. This church will be built so that we embarrass the enemy of this country,” the President declared.
Despite the public outcry, Ruto’s close allies have defended his pledge, maintaining that it aligns with his commitment to supporting religious institutions in Kenya.
Security Concerns and Increased Police Deployment
In anticipation of possible chaos, law enforcement agencies have ramped up security around Jesus Winner Church. GSU officers have been stationed at strategic points to prevent any unauthorized gatherings or disruptions.
Local authorities have warned against unlawful protests, urging demonstrators to express their grievances through legal channels. Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei stated that security forces are on high alert to prevent any incidents that could lead to violence or property damage.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Civil society groups and opposition leaders have called for greater transparency regarding the source of the Ksh20 million donation. Many are demanding that the government prioritize national issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development instead of making substantial financial commitments to religious entities.
As the controversy continues, Kenyans remain divided over the President’s involvement in church donations. While religious leaders have welcomed the support, critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for political influence in religious affairs.
What’s Next for the OccupyJesusWinner Protests?
With the protests gaining traction online, it remains to be seen whether demonstrators will proceed with their planned march to Jesus Winner Church. Authorities have urged protesters to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in unlawful activities.
The unfolding events highlight broader concerns about governance, financial accountability, and the role of religious institutions in political affairs. Whether the protests materialize or not, the debate surrounding President Ruto’s donation is far from over.
